Hey there! Have you ever watched a drone race and wondered what it would be like to fly one of those crazy fast drones? If speed is what you crave, you‘re in the right place. This guide will showcase four of the fastest drones money can buy today and give you tips to pick and fly a speed demon. Buckle up – things are about to get fast!
Overview of The Fastest Drones
Drones built for racing and fast action photography reach speeds most consumer models can‘t match. While normal drones fly safely under 50km/h, racing quads can hit 90+ km/h! Combining strong motors, lightweight frames and aerodynamic designs, they zoom effortlessly through the air and around courses.
Most racing drones sacrifice camera quality or smart flight features for outrageous speed and agility. But some manage to balance velocity with great filming capabilities and intelligence. Photography drones like the DJI Mavic series also have sport modes reaching 40-50km/h – not quite racing level but definitely fast.
In this guide, we‘ll explore:
- DJI Mavic Air 2 – The fast all-rounder
- Autel EVO II Pro – High-speed pro filming drone
- RacerX Nano Talon – Extreme mini racing rocket
- Walkera F210 – Pre-tuned racing beast
You‘ll learn key factors in choosing a speedy drone and tips for flying fast safely. Let‘s get up to speed on today‘s fastest drones!
DJI Mavic Air 2 – The Fast All-Rounder
[image]Top Speed: 68.4km/h
Flight Time: 34min
Camera: 4K, 48MP
DJI‘s Mavic Air 2 is loved by enthusiasts for good reason – it balances speed, intelligence and imaging brilliance. This portable folding drone reaches exhilarating racing-level speeds while retaining DJI‘s signature smart flight modes and long flight time.
In Sport mode, the Mavic Air 2 can hit an impressive 68.4km/h in bursts. Despite its agility cutting through the air, the 3-axis stabilized gimbal produces stunningly smooth and stable 4K/60fps video and 48MP photos. Shooting modes like HDR, panorama, and hyperlight enhance image quality, while Object Tracking locks onto subjects.
The Mavic Air 2 sees obstacles in three directions helping you fly fast with confidence. Ocusync 2.0 transmitters have an insane 10km range. Intelligent flight modes like Point of Interest, Waypoints and ActiveTrack simplify complex filming. At only 570g, it‘s easy to pack this speed demon in a bag.
For drone pilots seeking a thrilling, portable flyer capable of pro-level aerial photography, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is a top choice. Reviewers praise the buttery footage and images from a drone that "flies like a racer."
Fast Flyer Reviews
"The video quality lives up to the DJI name and allows the user to capture cinematic 4K footage. The sports mode allows the drone to reach exhilarating speeds." – Tech Gear Lab
"There are few drones which can race as fast as the Mavic Air 2 in Sport mode. This is the speed demon you want in your toolkit." – DroneTrest
"Considering everything the Mavic Air 2 has to offer, including sublime photo and video quality, it’s quite possibly the best drone you can buy for under $1,000." – Digital Trends
Alternatives
The Mavic Air 2 combines speed and smarts at a reasonable price. Alternatives like the DJI FPV Drone and Autel EVO II are faster but lack obstacle avoidance. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro has a better camera but lower top speed. For most pilots, the Mavic Air 2 hits the sweet spot.
Key Specs
| DJI Mavic Air 2 | |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 68.4km/h |
| Size | Folded: 180x97x84 mm |
| Weight | 570g |
| Flight Time | 34min |
| Transmission Range | 10km |
| Camera | 48MP 1/2" CMOS 4K/60fps, 1080p/240fps |
| Controller | Ocusync 2.0 |
Autel EVO II Pro – High-Speed Pro Filming Drone
[image]Top Speed: 72km/h
Flight Time: 40min
Camera: 6K 1" CMOS
Serious drone racing pilots demand the ultimate combination of speed and film quality. With its 6K camera and insanely fast top speed of 72km/h, the Autel EVO II Pro delivers. It excels racing through courses while capturing pro-level stabilized footage.
The EVO II Pro has a sturdy yet lightweight carbon fiber frame and robust motors optimized for acceleration, agility and stability. Footage looks professionally smooth thanks to the 3-axis stabilized camera capable of 6K/30fps and 4K/60fps video. The 1-inch sensor has excellent low light ability and captures rich detail.
Intelligent shooting modes enhance your work like HDR video, hyperlight and low light modes. Even flying at crazy speeds, the gimbal keeps footage stable and the subject locked on with Dynamic Track. Obstacle avoidance sensors allow you to focus on framing shots rather than avoiding objects.
Despite packing insane speed and pro camera capabilities, the EVO II Pro retains up to 40 minutes of flight time. It balances performance and endurance in an intuitively designed racing drone perfect for thrill-seeking content creators.
Filming at Warp Speed Reviews
"The EVO II Pro is a racing drone that can shoot cinema-quality video. This sets it apart from most drones in its class." – WIRED
"We took it out for a spin around some abandoned warehouses, and the footage was silky smooth, despite some high winds and cold weather." – Digital Camera World
"The EVO II Pro is in a class of its own, delivering an unrivaled aerial photography experience with the added bonus of high racing performance." – PCMag
Alternatives
The DJI Inspire 2 shoots pro-quality video but lacks racing-level speed. The RacerX Nano Talon is faster but has inferior camera capabilities. The EVO II Pro stands out for combining top-notch filming with extreme racing velocity.
Key Specs
| Autel EVO II Pro | |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 72km/h |
| Size | Unfolded: 287×234×106 mm Folded: 214×106×106 mm |
| Weight | 1105g |
| Flight Time | 40min |
| Transmission Range | 9km |
| Camera | 20MP 1" CMOS 6K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Controller | OcuSync Enterprise |
RacerX Nano Talon – Extreme Mini Racing Rocket
[image]Top Speed: 96km/h
Flight Time: 5min
Camera: HD
Don‘t let its tiny size fool you – the RacerX Nano Talon is an insanely fast minidrone tearing through courses at up to 96km/h! Weighing less than 250g, it accelerates from 0 to top speed in under 2 seconds – a mind-blowing pace for a drone that fits in your hand.
The secret lies in the sturdy yet lightweight frame made of reinforced polymers. High performance brushless motors drive the propellers to astounding RPMs. The mini size allows insane agility to weave through complex courses with ease.
Despite its diminutive body, the Nano Talon still packs an HD camera to capture your flights. The live video streams smoothly to the included FPV goggles for an immersive view. While many racers ditch cameras for weight, the Nano Talon‘s is decent enough for the thrill of FPV.
With a flight time around 5 minutes, this little rocket isn‘t built for endurance. It‘s designed to push speed limits around closed courses. The battery charges in just 25 minutes so you can race over and over. If you want extreme racing performance from a drone that fits in your pocket, the RacerX Nano Talon delivers.
Pint-Sized Racer Reviews
"I can‘t believe how fast this tiny drone can fly. It‘s an adrenaline rush just trying to keep up with it around a simple track." – DroneRacer101
"The Nano Talon comes ready to scream through the air right out of the box. It‘s a blast to fly for any experience level." – Dronethusiast
"This is the perfect racer for someone wanting to get into the sport without a huge investment. Just be prepared for its incredible speed!" – DronersGuides
Alternatives
The top competitors in small racing drones are the Emax Tinyhawk II and BetaFPV Meteor75. The Nano Talon beats them in outright top speed but some prefer the others for better components or camera quality. Overall for minidrone velocity, the Talon rules.
Key Specs
| RacerX Nano Talon | |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 96km/h |
| Size | 69×69×29mm |
| Weight | <249g |
| Flight Time | ~5min |
| Transmitter Range | 1km |
| Camera | HD 720p |
| Controller | 6 Channel Transmitter |
Walkera F210 – Pre-Tuned Racing Beast
[image]Top Speed: 90km/h
Flight Time: 8min
Camera: 700TVL
Do you want to plunge into the world of highly competitive racing drones? The Walkera F210 lets you fly a pro-grade racing quad right out of the box. With a ludicrous top speed of 90km/h, it keeps up with many custom-built racers piloted by experts.
The F210 frame is constructed from ultra-lightweight carbon fiber to cut down on weight. High performance brushless motors spin carbon fiber propellers to blistering RPMs with minimal drag. The aerodynamic design reduces turbulence at high speeds.
Despite its outrageous performance, the F210 has beginner-friendly features to help you learn. Altitude hold keeps it locked to a set height until you‘re ready to take full control. One-key return triggers an automated return home. With the F210, new pilots can get into serious racing more easily and safely.
Its 700TVL camera captures clear enough video and infrared vision means you can even race after dark. The intuitive Devo F7 transmitter gives you precise control over your speed demon. If you‘re seeking unmatched out-of-box racing performance, the Walkera F210 delivers in spades.
Pre-Tuned Racing Rig Reviews
"The Walkera F210 comes fully assembled and tuned meaning you can get flying fast straight away. It‘s perfect for dipping your toes into racing drones." – Half Chrome
"The F210 frame is nearly indestructible. I‘ve crashed this thing at top speed a dozen times and just replaced a few propellers." – Drone Pilots Log
"This drone is the perfect introduction to FPV racing. It‘s fast but manages to still be user-friendly for total beginners to learn." – Dronethusiast
Alternatives
The Emax Hawk 5" is comparable for speed but lacks the F210‘s durable frame and intuitive controls. The Lumenier QAV-R is faster but requires advanced self-assembly and tuning. The F210 balances pre-tuned performance with resilience making it a top choice.
Key Specs
| Walkera F210 | |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 90km/h |
| Size | 210mm motor-motor |
| Weight | 595g |
| Flight Time | 8min |
| Transmitter Range | 500-700m |
| Camera | 700TVL w/IR Block |
| Controller | DEVO F7 |
Choosing Your Speed Demon
With so many fast drones on the market, it can be tricky to pick the right one. Consider these key factors when deciding:
Skill level – Beginners need smart flight modes for safety. Intermediates will relish finely tuned performance and customization. Experts can handle extremely responsive racers. Match the drone to your current ability.
Speed requirements – Casual users are fine with photography drones hitting 40-50km/h. Racing pilots need 60km/h+ speeds. Professionals demand 70km/h+ for competitions. Know your speed needs.
Camera quality – Racing drones often sacrifice cameras for pure velocity. But some balance speed with great filming abilities. Evaluate image quality needed.
Battery and flight time – Flying fast drains batteries quicker – racing drones usually last 5-10 minutes per charge. Photographers need longer ~30min endurance.
Portability – Racing drones are purposely compact and foldable for transporting to events. Photography drones vary greatly in portability.
Transmitter range – Racing drones only need enough range for closed courses. Photographers need 1km+ range to capture action.
Affordability – You can get an entry-level racer under $200 but photography speed drones run $500 and up. Determine your budget.
Think about your goals – casual fun, racing, aerial photography, etc? This will point you towards the right speed demon. Fly smartly within your experience level too.
Flying Tips For Speedy Drones
When it comes to flying fast drones, small mistakes can have huge consequences. Follow these expert tips to fly safely and have a blast:
- Master control in normal speed modes before flying full throttle
- Start off away from obstacles with room to accelerate and maneuver
- Use propeller guards and practice emergency braking procedures
- Keep a safe distance from people, animals and property
- Monitor battery levels closely – you drain power faster at top speeds
- Maintain orientation and keep the drone in your sight at all times
- Use a spotter to help track your drone at high velocities
- Make incremental speed and braking adjustments to stay in control
- Analyze crashes objectively to improve skills without damage
- Respect speed! It amplifies risks of injuries and property damage
Take it slow learning the unique sensations of racing drones. Smoothly move up to faster modes as your reflexes improve. With responsible speed control, you‘ll get to experience the thrill of flying drones at their limits!
Take Your Flying to the Next Level
Aerial photography and drone racing represent two of the most exciting uses of the technology. Fast drones allow you to capture intense high speed action from unique angles. And they provide the exhilarating first-person experience of FPV racing competitions.
Today‘s speed drones balance durability, intelligent flight modes, decent cameras, and blistering speed. Whether you live for FPV racing or want crisply filmed action shots, these fast flyers deliver performance to match your ambition. Let us know if you have any other questions picking the perfect speed demon! We hope our guide gives you the confidence to grab these drones by the horns and fulfill your need for speed in the skies. Now get out there and fly!
